Does electron excitation for atoms above hydrogen happen at the valenc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the excitation of electrons in atoms beyond hydrogen, specifically whether electron excitation occurs at the valence level before affecting core electrons. It explores the interaction of different types of radiation with these electrons, focusing on emission spectra and the energy required for excitation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether electron excitation in atoms above hydrogen occurs primarily at the valence level before affecting core electrons, particularly in the context of normal emission spectra.
  • Another participant notes that the frequency (energy) of the radiation determines which electrons are excited, stating that visible or near UV light primarily excites valence electrons, while X-rays tend to ionize core electrons.
  • A participant asks if a constant energy radiation beam directed at a carbon atom would interact with both valence and core electrons.
  • It is mentioned that X-rays can effectively remove inner electrons, referencing the Auger effect and Auger electron spectroscopy, suggesting that both valence and core electrons can be affected by radiation.
  • Another response clarifies that while all radiation interacts with electrons, the actual ionization of core or valence electrons depends on the energy of the incident radiation quanta.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the interaction of radiation with valence and core electrons, with some agreeing on the role of radiation energy while others explore different aspects of the interaction. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of excitation processes across different types of radiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts such as Moseley's law and the Auger effect, indicating a reliance on specific definitions and assumptions about radiation types and electron binding energies. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of these interactions.

hongiddong
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Does electron excitation for atoms above hydrogen happen at the valence before the core electrons first?

I know that for a gamma ray it is due to the excitation within the nucleus, but what about for normal emission spectra.

Do we just shine a bunch of different energy onto the atom and the energies will hit both the valence and the core, or does the valence take the brunt of most of the energy before it hits the core?

I think that the electron's are moving around in the probable Energy regions, and if the different electrons in there different energy locations, ex. helium, receive the discrete energy to jump to it's discrete energy gap that is being radiated with the electron it will jump up because the radiation is hitting all the electrons(valence and the core), assuming a constant radiation of a continuum of different energies.
 
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That depends on the frequency (energy) of the radiation. Light in the visible or near UV can only excite valence electrons as they are least tightly bound. On the other hand, X-rays preferably lead to core ionization. Maybe you have already heard of Moseley's law which cleared up many open questions in the development of the periodic system.
 
ooo, hmm. My last question is then, if we were to shine a energy radiation beam at a carbon atom for instance, would this constant energy beam be able to touch both the valence and the core electrons?
 
No problem with kicking out inner electrons with x-rays (compare with Auger effect and Auger electron spectroscopy), so the answer is yes.
 
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hongiddong said:
ooo, hmm. My last question is then, if we were to shine a energy radiation beam at a carbon atom for instance, would this constant energy beam be able to touch both the valence and the core electrons?

Depends a little bit on what you mean with "touch". Generally, any radiation will interact with all electrons what will lead to the radiation being scattered. Whether ionization of core or valence electrons takes place, depends on the energy of the quanta of the incident radiation.
 
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Thanks Dr.Dru and Borek!
 

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